By ELNA Kundishora
A conjugal visit is a designated period in which a prison inmate is allowed to be in private with a visitor. The visit allows extended, intimate contact, including sexual relations, between a prisoner and a visitor.
The recent story about the former Deputy of Finance, Terence Mukupe at the Harare Central Prison has naturally aroused necessary shock from the ordinary members of the public and social media platforms.
In Zimbabwe, inmates are not afforded conjugal visits. The reasons mainly raised, _inter alia,_ are:
◾️that our law does not expressly recognize a right to a conjugal visit nor can it be interpreted to provide support for the existence of such a right
◾️conjugal visits are inconsistent with the notion of incarceration
◾️costsÂ
◾️controversial moral and ethical issues
On the contrary, countries like Brazil, Canada, Russia and Germany allow conjugal visits; and in several states in the United States, conjugal visits were instigated to lessen the strain on families caused by the long absence of a jailed parent.
However the question that arises is that should countries that do not permit conjugal visits change their stance?
Research has shown that the pros and cons, _inter alia_, of conjugal visits are as follows:
Pros
◼️Improved inmate behavior: Conjugal visits have been shown to have a positive effect on inmate behavior, as prisoners may be more motivated to follow rules and avoid infractions if they know that they will be able to spend time with their loved ones.
◼️Maintaining family ties: Conjugal visits can help prisoners maintain close relationships with their spouses and children, which can be beneficial for the prisoner’s emotional well-being and for the stability of the family unit.
◼️Reduced recidivism: Studies have shown that maintaining strong family ties can reduce the likelihood of reoffending, which is a significant benefit for both the prisoner and society as a whole.
Cons
◾️Security concerns: Conjugal visits can pose security risks, as there is the potential for contraband to be introduced into the facility, for escape attempts to be planned, or for physical altercations to occur.
◾️Cost: Conjugal visits require additional resources, such as staff time and additional space, which can be expensive for the correctional facility.
◾️Unequal access: Conjugal visits may not be available to all prisoners, and decisions about who is eligible may be based on factors such as the severity of the crime committed or the length of the sentence, which could be perceived as unfair.
◾️Controversial moral and ethical issues: Conjugal visits can be a controversial issue, as some people believe that prisoners should not be given the opportunity to engage in intimate relationships while they are incarcerated.
In conclusion, the decision of whether conjugal visits should be a feature of our correctional system is a question that will require debate and the weighing of diverse, complex and contested issues.
In light of the above, do you think in a country like Zimbabwe, the cons outweigh the pros?
hello@zimbawavemedia.co.uk
